Major League Soccer

·23 June 2026

By MLSsoccer staff

Defending FIFA World Cup champions Argentina have secured first place in Group J, taking a major step towards possibly matching the historic achievements of Italy (1934, '38) and Brazil (1958, '62) as the only nations to win consecutive World Cups.

Although their next opponent is yet to be confirmed, Argentina are already aware of the schedule and venues for their Round of 32 clash and the potential fixtures that could follow, all the way to the final on July 19.

Here is the complete route ahead for Lionel Messi and his team:

Round of 32: Friday, July 3 - 6 pm ET | Miami Stadium

Round of 16: Tuesday, July 7 - 12 pm ET | Atlanta Stadium

Quarterfinals: Saturday, July 11 - 9 pm ET | Kansas City Stadium

Semifinals: Wednesday, July 15 - 3 pm ET | Atlanta Stadium

Final: Sunday, July 19 - 3 pm ET | New York New Jersey Stadium

Throughout this journey, Inter Miami CF superstar Lionel Messi has continued to break numerous records on the World Cup stage.

Most World Cup goals: 18

Most World Cup matches played: 28

Most World Cup matches won: 18

Most minutes played in the World Cup: 2,489

Most World Cup Golden Ball awards: 2

Most World Cup Player of the Match awards: 11

Most World Cup tournaments with an assist: 5

Most World Cup appearances as captain: 21

Joint-most World Cup assists: 8

Joint-most consecutive World Cup games with a goal: 6

Joint-most World Cup tournaments with a goal: 5

Only player to score in the World Cup during his teens, 20s, and 30s